Abstract

Within Canada there is a trend toward placelessness; people do not form senses of place but rather remain transient within spaces. The effects of placelessness impact not only individuals, but also communities, and ultimately the natural landscape as well. This paper suggests that relationships to place vary greatly and are dependent, in part, upon populations, economics, technology, and geography. Should the sense of place be absent, then stewardship is impossible for stewardship can only be achieved through the commitment of placed people. Placelessness is finally conceptualized and defined through the discussion of place.